The Amish and Hutterites both trace their ancestry to Central Europe, and both groups have remained isolated from wider populations since immigrating to the United States. Neither smoke; their diets are similar; they both keep spotless homes. They both farm, but do so very differently. The Amish stick to basic, traditional agriculture on small dairy farms and by sowing seeds by hand, using horses, and keeping cattle in barns nearby. The Hutterites rely on tractors to cultivate big, modern, communal farms, where animals are kept far away from homes and in hangar-sized barns.

When researchers compared the health of kids in the two groups, their allergies stood out: Few Amish youngsters had asthma, while many more Hutterites did. Experts studied dust in the homes of both groups, finding loads of bacterial debris in samples from the Amish but less so in those from the Hutterites. When they exposed mice to Hutterite dust, the animals had severe respiratory responses; this did not occur when mice breathed Amish dust.

The experts theorize that microbes in the Amish dirt, and the youngsters’ frequent exposure to it, early on and throughout their childhoods, somehow boosts their immune systems, and especially helps to protect them from allergies and asthma. The researchers say they need to do more work before they identify the exact protective elements in Amish dirt.

By the way, the study on the Amish and Hutterite children did not involve large numbers, and further research already is under way. Experts aren’t expecting entrepreneurs to scoop up Hoosier farm dirt and to begin hyping it any time soon, though they have said they think one day there might be protective sprays from it.

People interested in learning more about our firm's legal services, including medical malpractice in Washington, D.C., Maryland and Virginia, may ask questions or send us information about a particular case by phone or email. There is no charge for contacting us regarding your inquiry. A malpractice attorney will respond within 24 hours.

All contents copyrighted 2015 Patrick Malone & Associates except where copyright held by others. Reproduction in any form prohibited except where expressly granted.